B1700 or BX2200??

[fizzicsguy]

Hi all. This is my first post although I've been lurking for several weeks now. I'm finally ready to buy, but recently ran into a new B1700 left over from last year. I was at the dealer looking at a BX2200 when i saw it. I asked the dealer what he wanted for it, and he said something along the lines of "you don't want that, its only 17 hp and its a gear drive." Hmm... I pressed him. He said it was sent last year by mistake (it was supposed to be HST) and it had sat there for almost a year because nobody wanted a gear drive, but he would probably take around $8500 for it. I never thought to ask if that included a deck, I assume it doesn't. I like the slightly bigger size of the 1700, and I really like the position control since I'll be doing lots of box blade work and gardening. In fact the only three reasons I feel the BX is better is the performace on hills (I have a few), larger Hp rating, and neat little cup holder on the fender....
Is $8500 for the 1700 a good deal? He is asking $9800 for the BX with mower. Is the BX just a better machine? Is the HST on the BX that good? I keep imagining my foot getting tired My yard is only about 2 acres...

Any opinions would be appreciated.

 

[r0GuE]

The hydro peddal holds position nicely.
I would NEVER buy a tractor without hydro, but I suppose if you don't have much (or anything,) to manuever around then maybe you don't need it. I think resale would be much better on the 2200. These things are VERY popular. Excellent on hills. I have NO fear of flipping.
If you can swing it without great financial whoa, I'd highly reccomend future proofing both tractor and resale wise.
If it's gonna make you tight financially, I really doubt the extra power is that necessary and people did use tractor without hydro in the past.
Course we use to poop outside too!!! ;^)
$8500 = B1700
$9800 = BX2200
$??? = BX1800, still one more pony than the B (though the hydro will probably eat some of that). Food for thought though...
Good luck!

Rogue

 

[richfromPA]

hey,
get the bx. also yer foot wont get tired. i have 1.2 acre and the last mower was a grasshopper. i dont miss the hopper and i got it brand new 5 yrs ago. the cup holder is good for holding little bolts and whatnot, thats about it. with power steerin, you only need one hand on the wheel and the other on yer lucky lager. good luck
rich

 

[msocko3]

Go for the BX, I've been the gear route before and will never go back. With HST you can find a comfortable speed every time, with gear you have to make due with what you have. With HST you can change directions quickly, loader work is easier. With gear changing directions takes time (unless you have shuttle shift) and loader work is slower.